Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) is a Greek island and a tourist destination, renowned for its cosmopolitan character and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. It spans an area of 105.183 km2 (41 sq mi) and rises at an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. The island is composed primarily of granite. It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water in order to meet its needs. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town), Periphery: South Aegean
Prefecture: Cyclades
Capital: Mykonos (town)
Population: 9,320
Postal: 846 00
Telephone: 22890 which lies on the west coast.

It is believed that the island was named after a local hero, who is considered an offspring of the god Apollo and was worshipped locally in antiquity.

Administration

Mykonos is a separate peripheral unit of the South Aegean Periphery, and the only municipality of the peripheral unit. As a part of the 2011 Kallikratis government reform, the peripheral unit Mykonos was created out of the former Cyclades Prefecture. The municipality, unchanged at the Kallikratis reform, also includes the islands Delos, Rineia and several uninhabited islets. The total area of the municipality is 105.2 km2 (41 sq mi).

History

Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. More recent discoveries have uncovered remnants in Ftelia beach from the Neolithic Kares tribe dating back to as far as 3000 BC.

In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus and the Titan, and the island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons. During these ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2 km away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.

Modern Mykonos

Today, Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece, having become increasingly popular with mass tourism. It is known for its diverse and intense nightlife as evidenced by a vast number of bars and nightclubs. Mykonos is also known for its sandy beaches.

Nightlife

The nightlife of Mykonos is marketed as among the best in Europe. Mykonos also attracts famous DJs to its renowned clubs and beach bars. In addition, Mykonos is a gay-friendly resort area, featuring several gay clubs open during the summer. Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on bars rather than clubs, yet a number of notable clubs can be found throughout the island.

Mykonos is famous for its rhythm of life: the party starts in the midday on the beaches, then continues to the night until sunrise, when the club-goers then sleep until the afternoon. Mykonos attracts thousands of people each month of the summer, including many famous celebrities. The island is considered to be "a playground for adults".

Landmarks

    * Petros the Pelican - An old celebrity of the town's waterfront, "Petro" has been the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.
    * Mykonos windmills - From as early as the 16th century, they are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos.
    * Little Venice - Here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea's edge with their balconies overhanging the water.
    * Paraportiani - One of the most famous architectural structures in Greece. Its name means inner or secondary door which it was to the Medieval stone walls which encircled the area.
    * Archaeological Museum - Houses marble sculptures, ceramics and jewellery recovered from the islands of Delos, Renia and Mykonos.
    * Aegean Maritime Museum - Displays models of a collection of ships from the pre-Minoan period through to the 19th century and nautical and ancient artifacts related to the history of shipping on Mykonos.
    * Delos - One of Greece's most famous archaeologic sites, it is an island located 2 kilometers to the west of Mykonos. The entire island has been declared a national museum.

Events

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